How Should I Avoid Scams?

Unfortunately, as you search for a place to live, there are dishonest people out there who want to separate you from your hard-earned cash.

Some tips to avoid scams:

Do not send money to anyone until you have:

Met the landlord/property manager in person

Toured the entire inside and outside of the unit, and made sure it is a good fit for you

Completely reviewed the contents of your lease.

Agreed to the terms of the lease.

Never give out information like your social security number or bank account number through email or over the phone. If a landlord wants your social security number, go to their office and put it directly onto the application. If they ask for your bank account number, ask if they will take a recent bank statement instead. This should also be done in person.

If something does not feel right to you, do not send money or give personal information until you get a second opinion from a person or organization you trust.

Never wire funds to anybody.

Do not make payments to anyone you have not met in person. If a person says they are not able to meet in person, it is likely a scam.

If a landlord sends you a vague email and will not give you specific information about the unit you are hoping to rent, it is likely a scam.

If the landlord immediately tells you that you are “guaranteed” the apartment without getting any information from you or giving you a lease, it is likely a scam.

Photo credit: Housing4Hoosiers

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